Notable UCLA Commencement Speakers
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has a long tradition of inviting distinguished individuals to address its graduating classes at commencement ceremonies. These speakers, drawn from diverse fields, offer words of wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement to the graduating students as they embark on their future endeavors. This article highlights some of the notable commencement speakers who have graced the UCLA stage.
Prominent Figures in Science and Technology
UCLA, renowned for its contributions to science and technology, has hosted several accomplished figures from these fields as commencement speakers.
Vinton Cerf, who earned his M.S. (1970) and Ph.D. from UCLA, is a pioneering computer scientist recognized as one of the "fathers of the Internet."
Paul Baran, M.S., another Internet Hall of Fame inductee, made significant contributions to the development of packet switching technology.
Barry Boehm, M.S. (1961), Ph.D., is a distinguished software engineer known for his work on software development methodologies.
Read also: UCLA vs. Illinois: Basketball History
Charles Elachi, M.S., a renowned engineer, served as the director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology.
Anna Lee Fisher, B.S. (1971), M.D., is an astronaut who has flown on the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Taylor Wang, B.S. (1967), M.S. (1968), Ph.D., is a materials scientist and astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Henry Samueli, B.S. (1975), M.S. (1976), Ph.D., is a co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, a leading semiconductor company.
These speakers exemplify UCLA's commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in science and technology.
Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA
Leaders in Academia and Education
UCLA has also welcomed numerous distinguished figures from the realm of academia and education to address its graduates.
Charles E. Young, M.A. (1957), Ph.D., served as the chancellor of UCLA for nearly three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the university's history.
Molefi Kete Asante, Ph.D., is a prominent scholar of African American studies and a professor at Temple University.
Sara Alpern, M.A., is a historian and professor at Texas A&M University.
Glenn S. Dumke, Ph.D., served as the chancellor of the California State University system.
Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors
Louise Richardson, M.A., is an academic administrator who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
Robin Kelley (PhD UCLA 1987) is a distinguished professor.
Deborah Nadoolman Landis is a professor of costume design.
Esther Mathias was a professor of botany (1962 - 1974).
These speakers have inspired graduates to pursue knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to the advancement of education.
Notable Figures in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
UCLA's commencement ceremonies have also featured prominent figures from the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Mo Ostin was a music executive, Chairman Emeritus of Warner Bros.
Kay Ryan is a poet.
Randy Newman is a singer and songwriter.
James Franco is an actor.
Sara Bareilles, a UCLA alumna and Grammy-winning musician, delivered the keynote address at the 2025 UCLA College commencement ceremonies.
D’Artagnan Scorza, a civic leader, social justice advocate, and UCLA alumnus, delivered the keynote address at the UCLA College’s virtual commencement celebration on Friday, June 11.
These speakers have encouraged graduates to embrace creativity, explore the human condition, and make a positive impact on society.
Public Servants and Political Figures
UCLA has also hosted individuals who have made significant contributions to public service and politics.
Max Rafferty, B.A. (1938), M.A., served as the California Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Janice Rogers Brown is a judge for the D.C.
Shawn Holley is a partner at Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley LLP, She started her career as a Los Angeles County public defender.
Anthea M. Hartig is the Elizabeth MacMillan director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Howard Berman was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Judy Chu is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Brad Sherman is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
These speakers have inspired graduates to engage in civic life, advocate for positive change, and serve their communities.
Athletes and Sports Figures
UCLA, with its rich athletic tradition, has also invited accomplished athletes and sports figures to address its graduating classes.
Bill Walton is a Hall of Fame basketball player.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a Hall of Fame basketball player.
These speakers have shared their experiences in athletics, emphasizing the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
The Significance of Commencement Addresses
Commencement addresses play a vital role in the graduation experience. They provide a platform for accomplished individuals to share their insights, experiences, and advice with the graduating class. These speeches often touch upon themes of perseverance, resilience, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of making a positive impact on the world.
English professor Lowell Gallagher said the main goal of commencement speeches is to deliver an inspiring message in an inventive and moving way.
According to Time Magazine, the past three or four decades have seen a flood of celebrity commencement speakers to headline graduation ceremonies, compared to the tradition of notable professors or academics giving the speech.
"(Park) presented a very mature and yet very witty understanding of how one can take what one has learned as an English major and … use it in a very compelling and productive way," Gallagher said.
tags: #ucla #commencement #speakers #notable
